Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Donald
M.
Schmuck
August 16, 1915

–

July 24, 2004

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Donald Schmuck attended the University of Colorado and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy before he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1935. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1938 upon graduation from the University of Colorado. He retired as a United States Marine Corps Brigadier General in 1960.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    May 28 – September 13, 1951
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Donald M. Schmuck (MCSN: 0-5914), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 28 May to 13 September 1951. Discharging his many responsibilities with exceptional skill and resourcefulness throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Schmuck effectively coordinated the regimental staff sections into a smoothly functioning team and rendered invaluable assistance to his unit during the defense of Hongchon, the attack to the Yanggu-Hwachon Reservoir Area and the advance to Kajong-ni. A capable and inspiring executive, he maintained excellent combat command posts and was directly instrumental in sustaining the efficient operations of the regimental headquarters, laboring untiringly in his efforts to solve the problems facing the unit and frequently inspecting front-line positions. Displaying a broad background of military experience, together with sound terrain appreciation and an intimate knowledge of the enemy’s tactics, he greatly aided the regimental commander in the preparation of plans and in the establishment of secure defenses throughout the operations. His outstanding professional ability, keen foresight and zealous devotion to the fulfillment of his missions reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Schmuck and the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Schmuck is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    February 23, 1951

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Donald M. Schmuck (MCSN: 0-5914), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 February 1951. Assigned the mission of seizing a strategic hill position, which dominated the approaches to Hoengsong, Lieutenant Colonel Schmuck advanced close behind his assaulting rifle companies to direct and control the attack. Although constantly exposed to devastating enemy automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire, he courageously directed the assault and seizure of the heavily defended crest of the vital hill and personally reorganized his companies for the continuation of the attack, inspiring his men to sweep forward and completely rout the entrenched enemy in hand-to-hand combat. His outstanding leadership, forceful initiative and unwavering devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Schmuck and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 26 – December 11, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Donald M. Schmuck (MCSN: 0-5914), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 26 November to 11 December 1950. Braving intense hostile small arms, machine gun and mortar fire, Lieutenant Colonel Schmuck personally led elements of his battalion in a series of daring tactical combat patrols which completely destroyed an enemy force of estimated battalion strength that was operating against the Division’s main supply route and railhead. Ordered to launch an attack to seize and occupy a vital terrain feature in order to cover the movement of the Division, he fearlessly spearheaded an aggressive assault, courageously leading his unit up six miles of tortuous and precipitous ice-covered slopes to overcome strong positions fiercely defended by a hostile battalion. A skilled leader and tactician, Lieutenant Colonel Schmuck, by his indomitable courage and inspiring devotion to duty, was primarily responsible for the success of his battalion in accomplishing its assigned mission and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.